It was Trevor that saw the first targets looming over the waves on our
starboard quarter. Only this time the targets were not AIS arrows on the
screen but dolphins. In twos or threes they converged on our course until
almost twenty of them were playing around our bows. With camera on hand, I
watched as they weaved from left to right under the bow, clearly enjoying
the company.
And whilst we are on the subject of company - J105 Taika is less than 5
miles ahead of us. At last the relentless wind which has blown 15kt - 25kt
for the past 2 days has eased off as forecast. And it looks like the boats
ahead have been held up as the fleet catch up behind. Although we can't
see anyone behind us on AIS, with only a 5nm range it is hard to know who is
following.
By the end of yesterday we were both weary from the endless pounding, and
backed of the pace by keeping the jib furled and the main reefed. Whilst we
lost some speed we felt that it was important to take into consideretion our
level of fitness (or not).
But the sight of both Dolphins and Taika has raised spirits and once again
we are under full canvass and have changed to the light wind jib. Looks
like the wind will back to the south-west giving us a spinnaker run into
Barra tonight.
Richard
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